Sales volumes rose 6% to 1.051 billion bottles last year, eclipsing the previous high of 1.013 billion in 2001. The best previous year in terms of sales value was 1997, when sales totalled £2.4bn.

The US remains the industry's most valuable market, with sales rising 7% to £400m.

Venezuela, however, saw the strongest growth last year, as sales rose 45% to £106.7m.

There was also encouraging growth in China, where demand for whisky has taken off in the past five years. China is now among the industry's 10 biggest markets.

The industry said its prospects were brighter than they had been for many years.

"I am greatly encouraged that distillers, large and small, are investing in facilities in Scotland and taking advantage of opportunities worldwide, with markets in Asia, North and South America offering strong potential for growth," said Richard Burrows, SWA chairman.